Indian Economic Association

Indian Economic Association
Name	Indian Economic Association
Founded	0 1917
Location	New Delhi, India
Key people	P. C. Mahalanobis (Founder)
Focus	Economics in India
Website	https://ieaindia.org/

Indian Economic Association. Founded in 1917, it is the oldest and most prominent professional body of economists in India. The association was established to promote the study and discussion of economic issues, with early leadership from figures like P. C. Mahalanobis. It serves as a central platform for academic discourse, policy debate, and the advancement of economic research across the nation.

History

The association was inaugurated in 1917 at a meeting held in Kolkata, then known as Calcutta, with P. C. Mahalanobis playing a pivotal founding role alongside other early Indian economists. Its formation occurred during a period of growing national consciousness and the development of indigenous academic institutions, partly in response to the economic critiques of British colonial rule. Over the decades, it expanded its reach, establishing itself as an independent voice after India's independence in 1947. The association's history is intertwined with the evolution of economic thought in India, engaging with key debates on planning, development, and liberalization.

Objectives and activities

The primary objectives include advancing the knowledge of economics and facilitating research on the economic problems of India and the wider world. It actively promotes the dissemination of economic ideas through its conferences, journals, and outreach programs. A key activity is organizing the annual Indian Economic Conference, which brings together economists from universities, policy institutions, and international bodies. The association also works to encourage young scholars, often through awards and sessions at its meetings, and engages in policy advocacy by submitting memoranda to bodies like the Planning Commission and NITI Aayog.

Governance and structure

The association is governed by an elected Executive Committee, which includes a President, a Vice-President, a Secretary, and a Treasurer, typically eminent economists from leading institutions. The Executive Committee is responsible for the overall administration and strategic direction, with elections held during the annual conference. Membership is open to individuals teaching economics or engaged in economic research, with categories including life members and ordinary members. Regional chapters and affiliated bodies, such as the Indian Econometric Society, often collaborate with the central organization to host local seminars and workshops.

Publications

Its flagship publication is the Indian Economic Journal, a peer-reviewed quarterly that has been published since 1952 and features research articles, notes, and reviews. The association also publishes the proceedings of its annual conference, which capture key discussions and presented papers. Other regular publications include the Indian Economic Association Newsletter, which reports on activities and member news. Special volumes and surveys on the Indian economy, sometimes in collaboration with publishers like SAGE Publishing, are also produced to address contemporary issues.

Conferences and events

The cornerstone event is the annual Indian Economic Conference, held each December at a different university or institution, such as the University of Hyderabad or Jawaharlal Nehru University. This conference features presidential addresses, invited lectures, and numerous paper presentation sessions on themes ranging from agricultural economics to monetary policy. The association also organizes occasional thematic seminars, training workshops for researchers, and joint events with international organizations like the World Bank. Special sessions honoring renowned economists, such as Amartya Sen or Jagdish Bhagwati, are a regular feature of these gatherings.

Notable members

The association has counted many of India's most distinguished economists among its members and leaders. Past presidents include foundational figures like P. C. Mahalanobis, Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, and influential policy thinkers such as C. N. Vakil and K. N. Raj. Other eminent members have included Jagdish Bhagwati, a leading scholar of international trade, Montek Singh Ahluwalia, former Deputy Chairman of the Planning Commission, and Bimal Jalan, former Governor of the Reserve Bank of India. The membership also encompasses a wide range of academics from institutions like the Delhi School of Economics and the Indian Statistical Institute.

Category:Economic associations Category:Organizations based in New Delhi Category:1917 establishments in India